Polls Open in Clacton By-Election with Record 34 Candidates and 90cm Ballot Paper

Voters in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, went to the polls on Thursday in a Westminster by-election that set two British records: the highest number of candidates ever to stand in a UK parliamentary election, at 34, and the longest ballot paper in British electoral history at 90 centimetres — roughly three feet.

A Record Number of Candidates

An electorate of 79,785 registered voters had the chance to vote for one of 34 candidates standing across the constituency, which includes the towns of Jaywick, Frinton and Walton-on-the-Naze as well as rural villages. The ballot included 12 political parties and 20 independent candidates. Among those standing were Count Binface and candidates from the Official Monster Raving Loony Party.

Voting Process

Fifty-one polling stations opened across the constituency at 07:00 BST. Voters were required to show acceptable photo ID, such as a driving licence or passport, to cast their ballot. Polling stations remained open until 22:00 BST, with the overnight count set to determine which of the 34 candidates would become Clacton's next Member of Parliament.